CANADIAN FOODGRAINS BANK

What they're asking for

In the registry's own words. Descriptions are only filed for meetings since mid-2024.

1. International development. The meeting underscored a strong expectation that Canadian international assistance will face significant further reductions under the Liberal government, regardless of the Conservatives’ position, reflecting a perceived lack of public support for overseas spending while Canadians face domestic challenges. The discussion stressed the need to be prepared for additional Canadian aid cuts in the future. While acknowledging that cuts would significantly reduce impact on hunger and poverty alleviation, we emphasized that our organization would remain viable due to its strong donor base and noted the importance of government matching funds in leveraging private donations. The discussion explored alternative aid financing models, including donor-matched government funding, public-private partnerships, and philanthropic partnerships, with considerable interest shown in approaches that align government support with causes Canadians already back.

   August 28, 2026 · Lianne Rood · Conservative · International Relations; International Development; Foreign Affairs

2. International development. The discussion centered on defending the value of international assistance, pushing back on the suggestion that Canada cannot afford foreign aid at present, that Canadian resources should be directed more toward addressing food insecurity and community needs within Canada, and that Canadian Foodgrains Bank member organizations expand their domestic poverty alleviation efforts. Arguments about the moral, strategic, and long-term benefits of international assistance were made but appeared to have limited impact. The meeting also engaged on issues of accountability, questioning how aid misuse is prevented and whether organizations can guarantee assistance reaches intended recipients. We outlined our rigorous partner oversight, audits, project monitoring, and transparency measures, while acknowledging the realities of operating in some of the world’s most challenging contexts.

   August 21, 2026 · Dan Mazier · Conservative · International Relations; International Development; Foreign Affairs

3. International Development. The Foodgrains Bank gave an overview of its work and highlighted its efforts to build public and political support for international development and climate resilience through engagement with government departments, MPs, and Canadians. We offered to provide regular briefings from the Foodgrains Bank, particularly those that highlight development outcomes and high-impact investment opportunities, and other issues we believe should be on the MP's radar.

   August 19, 2026 · Philip Lawrence · Conservative · International Relations; International Development; Foreign Affairs

4. International development and climate finance. The discussion focused on climate finance, with Foodgrains Bank representatives outlining concerns about the impacts of climate change on food security, the need to prioritize vulnerable populations and adaptation funding, and the possibility that Canada's renewed climate finance commitments may rely more heavily on loans than grants. The meeting also included a discussion of the Foodgrains Bank's broader international development priorities and advocacy objectives: Canada should make resilient food systems an aid priority and ensure that the dev-trade approach focuses on poverty reduction,?localization?and sustainability.

   August 11, 2026 · Ellis Ross · Conservative · International Relations; International Development; Climate; Foreign Affairs

5. International development. Discussion about the strategic importance of international development aid to Canada's economy, national security and values. Additionally, we sought to understand the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC)'s position on aid and asked that resilient food systems be prioritized in the party's international development platform.

   June 22, 2026 · Melissa Lantsman · Conservative · International Relations; International Development; Foreign Affairs

6. International development. Make resilient food systems an aid priority and ensure the development-trade approach focuses on poverty reduction. localization and sustainability. Official development assistance should continue to focus on gender and localization. in this regard, at least $5.5 billion of ODA per annum should go towards poverty reduction in developing countries. Climate finance should prioritize vulnerable groups, support biodiversity and minimize debt. Canada should triple climate finance to $15.9 billion for 2026-2031. The 5-year pledge announced in spring 2026 was much lower. We “welcomed” it and will continue to work on quality issues.

   June 16, 2026 · Laila Goodridge · Conservative · International Relations; International Development; Climate; Foreign Affairs

7. International development and international relations. Discussion on the importance of focusing on food security in humanitarian efforts, in light of the expected cuts to development funding. Additionally, discussion on the importance of official development assistance (ODA), alongside trade and economic stability to Canada, highlighting that ODA facilitates other aspects of international relationships.

   April 16, 2026 · Paul Connors · Liberal · International Relations; International Development; Foreign Affairs

8. International development. Discussion on Canada's official development assistance (ODA) and the need for it to prioritize food security. As a global leader in agriculture and food, Canada should help communities around the world dealing with rising food prices, climate change and conflict by prioritizing support for agriculture and food systems in its ODA.

   March 12, 2026 · Tim Watchorn · Liberal · International Relations; International Development; Foreign Affairs

9. International Development. Discussion showcasing the results from our Nature Positive project which is part of the Partnering for Climate (P4C) program. The project responds to poverty and hunger, addressing climate change and building long-term economic resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. We asked for support in ensuring Canada’s next climate finance commitment prioritizes smallholder farmers and their communities in the Global South in adapting to climate change.

   March 11, 2026 · Eric St-Pierre · Liberal · International Relations; International Development; Climate; Foreign Affairs

10. Discussion about Canada's official development assistance, its value to Canadian foreign policy and an appeal for Canada not to reduce aid but to show global leadership following the USAID cuts and decreases in aid budgets by some donor countries.

    August 14, 2025 · Jill McKnight · Liberal · International Relations; International Development

Full meeting log

81 MP-directed communications since January 2024, from the Registry of Lobbyists.